A cat born without two paws met a TV 'super vet' to see what could be done to help. 

Three-year-old Paddy the cat has been looked after by Taylor's Animal Centre at Kingston Maurward, near Dorchester, which raised enough funds to take him to see TV's Noel Fitzpatrick, the main face of Channel 4's The Supervet. 

The visit to the vet was funded by Paddy's Appeal, which encouraged people to raise money to get Paddy fully assessed by a specialised vet. 

After the appeal proved a success, a visit to the supervet's clinic, Fitzpatrick Referrals, was arranged to look at how Paddy's condition could be improved and see whether prosthetics could be implemented. 
Dorset Echo:

  • Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick meets Paddy the cat​ Picture: Fitzpatrick Referrals  

Due to Paddy's active lifestyle, painful sores started to emerge at the base of what was left of his legs.

After assessing Paddy, a spokesperson for the clinic said: "When we examined Paddy and considered the ethics, we believed that he would cope reasonably well without advanced intervention. 

"If he is kept indoors on a soft surface (such as carpet) and we have recommended continued conservative management, consisting of managing his environment and keeping him comfortable on medication as needed.

"Stump socket prostheses can be difficult for cats to cope with, as they often try to kick them off - and their life quality might be even more impaired. 

"Skeletally-anchored endoprostheses are possible but, from an ethical perspective, are absolutely last resort treatment and therefore, would only be considered if Paddy was in dire need."

Fortunately, Paddy has now been rehomed with guardians who will continue to look out for him and what is best for him. 

Chairman at Taylor's Animal Centre, Paul Weston, said: "Paddy has always had a special place in our hearts and thanks to the support of the local community we are now able to give him the chance of leading a happy and long life that he undoubtedly deserves." 

Taylor's Animal Centre takes in and rehomes pets that are in need. To find out more information about the centre visit www.westdorsetrspca.org or call the centre on 01305 259672.